Fix: Error 0x643 1603 in Software Center - Complete Solutions Guide
Encountering Error 0x643 or 1603 in Software Center? This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve these common installation errors.
Error Overview
Error 0x643: Windows Update Installer error - installation failed
Error 1603: MSI installer error - fatal error during installation
Understanding These Errors
Error 0x643 Details
Error 0x643 typically occurs when the Windows Update Installer encounters a problem during the installation process. This is often related to:
- • Windows Update service issues
- • Corrupted update files
- • Insufficient system permissions
- • Conflicting software or updates
Error 1603 Details
Error 1603 is a generic MSI (Microsoft Installer) error that indicates a fatal error during installation. Common causes include:
- • Insufficient disk space
- • Registry permission problems
- • Antivirus interference
- • Previous incomplete installations
Common Causes of These Errors
Insufficient Disk Space
Not enough free space for installation files
Corrupted Installation Files
Downloaded package files are damaged or incomplete
Permission Issues
Insufficient permissions to write to target directories
Conflicting Software
Another version or similar software is already installed
Windows Installer Issues
Problems with the Windows Installer service
Registry Problems
Corrupted registry entries affecting installation
Quick Solutions (Try These First)
Before You Start
These quick solutions resolve the majority of 0x643 and 1603 errors. Try them in order before moving to advanced solutions.
Check Available Disk Space
Ensure you have at least 2-3 GB of free space on your system drive
⏱️ 1 minuteRestart Software Center
Close and reopen Software Center to refresh the connection
⏱️ 2 minutesRestart Your Computer
A full restart can resolve temporary system issues
⏱️ 3-5 minutesClear Software Center Cache
Remove cached installation files and force re-download
⏱️ 5 minutesDetailed Step-by-Step Solutions
Check and Free Up Disk Space
Windows Method:
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
- Right-click on your C: drive and select "Properties"
- Check available free space (should be at least 2-3 GB)
- If space is low, click "Disk Cleanup" to free up space
- Select files to delete and click "OK"
Command Line Method:
# Check disk space
dir c:\ /-c
# Or use PowerShell to check disk space
Get-PSDrive C | Select-Object Used,Free
Clear SCCM Client Cache
Important: This will remove all cached installation files and force re-download.
Using Configuration Manager Control Panel:
- Press Windows + R and type
control smscfgrc - Click the "Cache" tab
- Select all items in the cache list
- Click "Delete Files" button
- Confirm the deletion
- Click "OK" to close the control panel
Alternative: Manual Cache Cleanup
# Navigate to cache directory
cd "C:\Windows\ccmcache"
# Delete all cached files (run as administrator)
del /s /q *.*
Restart Windows Installer and SCCM Services
Using Services.msc:
- Press Windows + R and type
services.msc - Find "Windows Installer" service
- Right-click and select "Restart" (if running) or "Start" (if stopped)
- Find "SMS Agent Host" service
- Right-click and select "Restart"
- Wait for both services to restart successfully
PowerShell Method (Run as Administrator):
# Restart Windows Installer
Restart-Service -Name "msiserver" -Force
# Restart SCCM Client
Restart-Service -Name "CcmExec" -Force
# Verify services are running
Get-Service -Name "msiserver","CcmExec"
Reset Windows Update Components
Advanced Solution: Only use this if previous solutions haven't worked. Requires administrator privileges.
Automated Script (Save as .bat file and run as admin):
@echo off
echo Stopping Windows Update services...
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
echo Renaming software distribution folders...
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
echo Starting Windows Update services...
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
echo Windows Update components reset successfully!
pause
Advanced Command Line Solutions
Complete SCCM Client Reset (Run as Administrator)
# Stop SCCM services
net stop ccmexec
# Clear SCCM cache
rmdir /s /q "C:\Windows\ccmcache"
# Reset SCCM client
"%windir%\ccm\ccmsetup.exe" /uninstall
timeout /t 30
"%windir%\ccm\ccmsetup.exe"
# Restart computer
shutdown /r /t 60 /c "SCCM client reset - computer will restart in 60 seconds"
Important Notes:
- • This will completely reinstall the SCCM client
- • Contact your IT department before running this script
- • Allow 30-60 minutes for the client to fully reinstall
- • You may need to wait for policy refresh from your IT team
When to Contact Your IT Department
Contact IT Support if:
- None of the above solutions resolve the error
- The error persists after multiple attempts
- You're not comfortable running command line solutions
- Multiple users are experiencing the same error
- The software is critical for your job function
Prevention Tips
Best Practices
- • Keep at least 5GB free space on your system drive
- • Restart your computer weekly
- • Don't interrupt software installations
- • Close other programs during installations
- • Keep Windows updates current
Regular Maintenance
- • Run disk cleanup monthly
- • Check for Windows updates regularly
- • Monitor software center for updates
- • Report persistent issues to IT promptly
- • Avoid installing unauthorized software
Quick Reference Summary
Try These First:
- Check disk space (need 2-3 GB free)
- Restart Software Center
- Restart your computer
- Clear SCCM cache
If Problems Persist:
- Restart Windows Installer service
- Reset Windows Update components
- Contact your IT department
- Document error details for IT support